TechFilter: I'm part of a medium-sized IT support company and we're looking at some new helpdesk/workflow management software. What advice can you give on your setup or software you are currently working with? [more inside]
posted by de1mar on Oct 14, 2009 - 8 answers

I'm trying to figure out my options for setting up a small digital media lab for a new non-profit, but I have no idea how to set a minimum level of server specs! How much CPU and RAM do I really need? What determines this? The server will be used to administer local user accounts, and store files (including large media files). We may also end up using it to host our website and mail, if it makes sense (unlikely). All the main client computers will be macs, so I assume I should make life easier and just get an XServe. But I'm open to other suggestions. See below for some prices and models for various XServe's I'm trying to choose between. How low can I go? How much CPU/RAM do I need? Let me know if you need more information... [more inside]
posted by yuletide on Aug 20, 2009 - 5 answers

I've been asked to look after two work experience kids (young teens) for the coming two weeks to experience and learn what I.T. is all about. What tasks can I give them that will educate and enlighten them while not killing my productivity? [more inside]
posted by Static Vagabond on Jun 12, 2009 - 8 answers

How would I install a disk image on ~50 machines all of unique hardware configuration? [more inside]
posted by blueplasticfish on Dec 10, 2008 - 14 answers

Help me combine my masters in psychology, IT experience, and love of research into a more satisfying job. [more inside]
posted by Silvertree on Nov 6, 2008 - 7 answers

I'm sure this question will not make me the most popular student at the dance, but is there a way to identify (via IP) machines running BitTorrent clients within an internal network (ie. work)? My company has around 50 employees, and the old, "Please don't torrent at work" doesn't seem to be doing much good anymore. It brings our email and web browsing to a near standstill, and dropping by the "usual suspects" is not only tiresome, but doesn't seem to find all the sources of traffic any longer. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
posted by numlok on Aug 11, 2008 - 27 answers

Please help me figure out why my computer stops reading my 1TB WD My Book Premium II external storage thinger before I punch it. [more inside]
posted by Bageena on Jan 9, 2007 - 8 answers

IT problem brainstorm: I have a PC that stalls during boot. Help. [more inside]
posted by krisjohn on Sep 19, 2005 - 21 answers

Is there any way to recycle floppies?
posted by theora55 on Jun 2, 2005 - 9 answers

I work partly as IT/network support for a company whose focus isn't specifically IT. As such, most of the employees are not very knowledgeable in this area and come to me for help on fixing issues on their home computers. I'm not really into this, but I'm not sure how best to decline to help. I don't mind advising people on things, but when they ask me to go their house to fix their home computers I balk. Today, someone asked how much I charged to "reformat" their hard drive, which I suppose is better than just asking if I can fix something, but what if I don't want to run a half-assed consultancy?

On the flipside -- if I did want to start charging, what do you think would be a normal rate for this kind of stuff? Should I bother setting up a business name? I had thought about such a business before I got this job, but now that I'm a full-timer, I'm not sure I have the interest in doing this as a sidejob.
posted by Big Fat Tycoon on Dec 29, 2004 - 17 answers

Computer fixing frustrations - what to do when you've replaced (pretty much) every part and the problem continues? (more inside) [more inside]
posted by Mossy on Sep 15, 2004 - 9 answers